Siddharth Mahadevan: 'I have my own niche'

By HT

Mumbai, May 30 -- After composing music for Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children (2012), and performing with his father, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, at various concerts, Siddharth, is all set to for his Bollywood break.

He is making his singing debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming film, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB), the music of which has been composed by composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (SEL). The 20-year-old talks about his experience of recording with his father.

What was the experience of working on your first Bollywood film like?

I am making my debut as a playback singer with BMB and there couldn't have been a better platform to begin with. I'm thankful to Rakeysh uncle and SEL, who thought that I could pull off two songs in the film. It was a great learning experience.

How did you get the break?

It wasn't my dad but Rakeysh uncle who insisted that I should sing. He would show me the lyrics of both songs and keep telling me to sing. I always took that as a joke, till one day my father told me that I would indeed be singing the song.

Tell us something about these songs.

Both songs define the story of the film. One is called 'Zinda' and the other one is the rock version of the title song 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. Both the numbers are energetic and full of life. They will instantly connect with the listeners, especially people from my generation.

You've performed on stage with your father on various occasions. How was your experience working with him in the studio?

I've recorded with my dad before, but recording in front of the director and the entire team, and shooting the making of the song, was exciting. I was a little nervous in the beginning, but eventually, it was a lot of fun. Also, he was the music director of the song first and then my father. I had to live up to not just his, but SEL's vision.

How does it feel to be a celebrity kid?

It's an honour for me to be a part of such a musical family. My father has been my inspiration and in no way so I feel any burden (of expectations). In fact I feel lucky that I have had access to music from different genres.

Comparisons between celebrities and their children are bound to come up. Are you afraid that you might not live up to the expectations?

No, there is no fear. I take this as a challenge. I try to put in more than my best, as I know that I have to live up to the expectations. I believe that I have my niche and I hope listeners like my sound.

Who have been your music idols?

My dad. He is a musician of the highest calibre. He is my guru, guide and friend. D

o you aspire to be as famous as him some day?

My father is a legend. It's too much to be like him, or anywhere close to him. He has been around for two decades and we can't be compared. I want to have my own identity and form my own niche. People should be able to relate to me for my music and the kind of music I do, and not just for being Shankar Mahadevan's son.